stramm
tight
Firm, close-fitting, or pulled taut. Similar to 'straff' (taut), it is used for clothing, ropes, or a snug fit.
EXAMPLE
Die neuen Schuhe sitzen anfangs noch etwas stramm.
The new shoes are still a bit tight at first.
stramm
tight / upright
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Meanings
stramm
upright
Taking on an upright, straight, and disciplined posture. Often used in a military context.
EXAMPLE
Die Soldaten standen stramm, als der General den Raum betrat.
The soldiers stood upright at attention when the general entered the room.
stramm
sturdy
Strong, healthy, and well developed. Often used for babies, young people, or animals.
EXAMPLE
Was für ein strammer Bursche dein Sohn geworden ist!
What a sturdy lad your son has become!
stramm
considerable / tough
Colloquial for considerable, substantial, or demanding. It can refer to an achievement, a price, or a distance.
EXAMPLE
Das war eine stramme Wanderung, wir sind über 20 Kilometer gelaufen.
That was a tough hike; we walked over 20 kilometers.
Usage tips
Typical verbs
In the meaning of 'fest' (firm) or 'eng' (tight), 'stramm' is often combined with the verbs 'sitzen' (to fit/sit, for clothing) or 'ziehen' (to pull) and 'spannen' (to tighten/stretch, for ropes or muscles).
EXAMPLE
Das Seil muss stramm gespannt sein, damit die Wäsche nicht durchhängt.
The rope must be pulled taut so the laundry doesn't sag.
Fixed expression
The combination 'stramm stehen' is a fixed expression that describes a disciplined, upright posture, as is common in the military.
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder standen zum Spaß vor ihren Eltern stramm.
The children stood at attention in front of their parents for fun.
Typical nouns
In the meaning of 'kräftig und gesund' (strong and healthy), 'stramm' is used almost exclusively for babies or young men, often in the combinations 'ein strammes Baby' (a sturdy baby) or 'ein strammer Bursche' (a sturdy lad).
EXAMPLE
Alle bewunderten das gesunde, stramme Baby.
Everyone admired the healthy, sturdy baby.
Colloquial use
The meaning of 'beachtlich' (considerable) or 'anstrengend' (demanding) is colloquial. It is often used for prices, achievements, or schedules that are challenging.
EXAMPLE
Wir haben heute ein strammes Programm vor uns.
We have a tough program ahead of us today.
Compare with
stramm vs fest
firm / fixed
Fest and stramm can both describe a snug fit. Fest mainly emphasizes a secure hold, while stramm additionally expresses noticeable tightness or tension. Stramm is therefore especially suitable when something fits very tightly or is already causing some pressure.
stramm
Der Stiefel sitzt stramm am Fuß und drückt leicht am Spann.
The boot fits tightly around the foot and puts slight pressure on the instep.
fest
Der Stiefel sitzt fest am Fuß und rutscht beim Gehen nicht.
The boot fits snugly around the foot and does not slip while walking.
In real life
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